Heed Early Warnings, Stop Cancer Before it Starts
Actinic Keratoses, frequently referred to as AKs, are common lesions in fair-skinned, elderly patients who have typically had a lot of sun exposure throughout their lives. The majority of AKs are located on “exposed” areas such as the face and forearms and can have a “rough” or “gritty” feel to them. Patients may not be aware of these lesions until they are found during a regular dermatology skin check, such as an annual Total-Body Skin Cancer Examsm.
AKs can transform into Squamous Cell Carcinoma and less frequently into Basal Cell Carcinoma. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (also known as Squamous Cell Cancer) is a cancer that can spread from the skin to the rest of the body.
It is important to have these lesions evaluated by one of Advanced Dermatology’s physicians or other skin cancer specialist as the lesions can transform into a skin cancer. Your evaluation will begin with a thorough medical history and a total-body skin cancer examination.
Once one or more AKs have been found, several treatment options are available. In-office cryotherapy is a very common procedure that can treat these lesions immediately. Several newer topical medications and light-based treatments have also been developed to treat these lesions effectively. An Advanced Dermatology provider will discuss with you the best option for a pro-active treatment plan.